At the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient goals, make sure the patient is a candidate and choose an implant size and shape to achieve desired results.

For surgery, the patient typically is placed under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes an incision, usually in the armpit region, places the implant in a pocket underneath the bicep or tricep muscle, and closes the incision. The surgery takes about an hour and a half. A full recovery takes about a month.

Additional costs:

The doctor typically will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication for recovery. Antibiotics typically cost less than $15 to $50 or more, depending on the antibiotic prescribed, and pain medication typically costs less than $50.

Many plastic surgeons offer discounts for cash-paying patients or for multiple procedures. For example, Nikolas Chugay, M.D. [3] offers a special in which patients can get bicep or tricep implants and one other listed procedure (examples: calf implants, pectoral implants, four areas of liposuction and others) for $12,500.

Some patients choose to have bicep and tricep implants done at the same time.

Shopping for bicep or tricep implants:

A board-certified plastic surgeon should perform the bicep or tricep implant procedure. Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons[4] and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery[5] offer referral services.

It is a good idea to ask the surgeon how many bicep or tricep implant surgeries he or she has performed, and to ask to see before-and-after photos of previous clients.

A suitable candidate for bicep or tricep implants is a non-smoker in good health, at a healthy weight, who desires more definition and shape in the biceps or triceps.

10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Before the HolidaysWith reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there. || Posted November 23 2013

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